The Rapid Introduces Propane-Fueled Vehicles Into Its GO!Bus Fleet

We kicked off Earth Day a bit early here at The Rapid by welcoming four new vehicles into its GO!Bus service which will be fueled by clean-burning, domestically-produced, affordable propane autogas. GO!Bus is available for seniors and people with disabilities who cannot ride fixed route services. It uses smaller, cutaway vehicles for door-to-door trips. The service is operated under a contract with MV Transportation. The fueling station is located at the Go!Bus facility so vehicles can be fueled on-site as port of their daily maintenance.

The new vehicles are expected to reduce emissions, save on fuel costs and provide a quieter ride for customers. These vehicles feature special signage, including a propane logo and a green roof, similar to that used on hybrid-electric 40-foot fixed-route buses already in The Rapid’s fleet.

“The Rapid has been an industry leader in sustainability efforts and this is another step in the overall program. Options for alternative fuels that work well in the smaller cutaway buses we use in our GO!Bus service have not been as plentiful as those for fixed-route buses. We know propane works in our climate and the vehicles have a very similar engine so the maintenance program is the same,” said Peter Varga, CEO of The Rapid. “It is also important that propane is produced here in the United State, supporting American jobs and reducing dependency on foreign oil.”

“The Rapid is helping to clear the air above Grand Rapids with the adoption of vehicles fueled by cleaner-burning propane autogas, ” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “By choosing this alternative fuel, the transit agency is providing clean transportation to its customers and saving taxpayer dollars.”

Also speaking at the event was Brian Balogh, regional vice president, MV Transportation.

This is a win for our customers, our operations partner MV Transportation and tax-payers,” said Varga.

Written by The Rapid

The Rapid (Interurban Transit Partnership) is the authority that provides a variety of public transportation services for the Grand Rapids metro area and beyond. It is organized and operates under Michigan Public Act 196 of 1986.

Follow the Rapid

Here you can find the latest news and stories from The Rapid. For more information, connect with us on other social media communities.